Rain, wind and hail

I woke up this morning determined to get out for a lunchtime run as I was working from home.  It blew an absolute hoolie last night and sat at home this morning I watched the rain lash, and the hail crash against the window – should I just go to the gym instead?

I like the gym.  I go for resistance training a few times a week, but I’m not one for sweating away on a cross trainer or treadmill.  Don’t get me wrong, they have their uses and I wouldn’t criticise anyone for using them.  My wife is recovering from a running injury so she is using the cross trainer more than usual and this works for her.  Me?  I like to get outside.  I like to feel the weather on my face and the fresh air in my lungs.  Now I know that sounds a little corny but it’s probably that way for a reason.

Today however stretched the limits of ‘weather on my face’.

12pm arrived and I pulled on running tights (they just sound and look so wrong),  long sleeve top, t-shirt,  Goretex jacket,  hat and gloves.  I had no doubt in my own mind that I would be beyond toasty within 30secs of setting off – how wrong I was!

Living where I do I can get out into the countryside within a few minutes.  Running out onto the country road I was literally pushed sideways by the wind and rain.  It was cold.  In fact, it was beyond cold and one of those moments in time where you have to put your head down,  grit your teeth and just get on with it  -  Harry would.   A good thing about inclement weather is that you often focus on the conditions rather than your own pain.  Despite my clothing I was wet within the first couple of miles but I was getting warmer.  This was great running weather I decided so I picked my pace up a bit.  My route took me 4 miles out of Town and then back again. It’s one of those roads where you need to run facing oncoming traffic as it’s a bit of a rat run with puddles galore!  Wet feet and spray from cars makes it even more fun!  I finished with a respectable time – not my best, but that wasn’t my aim.  I got out there!!!

I love running, but for me it’s the feeling afterwards that really puts a smile on my face.  That tingly glow,  those tired legs and the sense of satisfaction.  It’s so much easier to put off a run than it is to get out there.  There is always a reason you can find to not go, but once it’s done you can sit back with a smug,  tingly smile on your face and know you’ve made a difference in ‘Running For Harry’.

Alex Britchfield

News 10th December 2011

It’s important to keep everyone up to date on the activities of RunningForHarry. Since we started to ask people to support us our following has been fantastic. Your continued help is appreciated  - Harry would, I am certain, be very proud of each and every one of you.

So time is ticking away to our first publicised event, the Reading Half Marathon on 1^st April 2012. So many people have signed up so far and there are still places available. It’s one of the biggest half marathons in the country and is going to be a great day! Don’t forget to let us know how your training is going – we would love to hear from you and get some pictures of you wrapped up in your winter running kit for our blogs and Facebook page! The funniest ones will be published shortly!

RunningForHarry isn’t just about the Reading Half Marathon however. You can choose to run any event near you and raise money for RunningForHarry using this link. All monies raised will go directly to brain cancer research. We have people running in Belfast and Frankfurt in 2012 and we would invite you to try and do at least one run next year (what a great New Years resolution!!!). It doesn’t have to be a big event – you can do fun runs, santa runs, school runs – anything you like that can help raise money and awareness for HHHO.

Our clothing range has been a huge success. So many items have been purchased with the profits going directly to RunningForHarry. We would like to thank http://www.giraffe-shop.co.uk for their help and continued support. Without them we could not be doing this. So, if you want to purchase a hooded sweatshirt, running vest, drinks bottle, t-shirts and a number of other items take a look at their online store. Not only is the kit great quality, you will be helping to raise money too.

Yesterday we launched our text donation service. You can now donate to RunningForHarry by texting RFHM50, followed by the amount you wish to pledge, to 70070. Even if you can only donate £1 this will be of great help!

To: 

70070

Text: 

RFHM50

£1

There are other things in the pipeline to help raise our profile but the biggest help comes from you. Without you retweeting, running, pledging and talking about RunningForHarry we wouldn’t be where we are now. Simply put – our success is down to your generosity and support. Thank you!

Alex Britchfield 10^th December 2011